. Central Theme

• India’s energy transformation strategy post-2014.
  
  
• Structural shift towards energy security, self-reliance, and sustainability.
  
  
• Energy as a key driver of India’s economic growth and geopolitical confidence.
  
  

2. Strategic Vision Components

• Reforms, resilience, and self-reliance in energy governance.
  
  
• Focus on the energy trilemma:
  a) Availability
   b) Affordability
   c) Sustainability
  
  

3. Achievements in Oil & Gas Sector

• India is now:
  
  
  • 3rd largest energy consumer
    
    
  • 4th largest refiner
    
    
  • 2nd largest LPG consumer
    
    
  • Among top 10 gas markets globally
    
    
• Domestic oil & gas exploration increased from 6% (2021) to 16% (2025 target).
  
  
• Goal: Cover 1 million sq. km under exploration by 2030.
  
  

4. Policy Reforms & Enablers

• Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) – simplified bidding process.
  
  
• Gas pricing reforms – linking prices to global benchmarks.
  
  
• Reduction in ‘No-Go’ exploration zones.
  
  
• Focus on compressed biogas (CBG), green hydrogen, and biofuels.
  
  

5. Infrastructure Expansion

• Natural gas pipeline network expanded from 21,000 km to over 23,500 km.
  
  
• City Gas Distribution (CGD) expanded from 55 districts (2014) to 630+.
  
  
• 7,500+ CNG stations operational.
  
  
• LNG import terminals and pipeline infrastructure built for last-mile delivery.
  
  

6. Green and Renewable Integration

• Focus on biofuels (ethanol, CBG, biodiesel).
  
  
• Ethanol blending rose from 1.5% (2013) to 12% (2023); target 20% by 2025.
  
  
• Reduced CO₂ emissions by 7 crore tonnes, saved ₹54,000 crore in import bills.
  
  
• Promoted sustainable aviation fuel, waste-to-energy, and flex-fuel vehicles.
  
  

7. International & Domestic Collaborations

• Collaborations with global oil majors (e.g., ExxonMobil, Shell) in exploration.
  
  
• Foreign Direct Investment in green energy corridors.
  
  
• Expansion into data centres and hydrogen corridors (e.g., IOC, BPCL, HPCL green hydrogen projects).
  
  

8. Digital & Technological Support

• Unified mapping under National Gas Grid and One Nation One Grid
  
  
• National Master Plan under PM Gati Shakti for real-time infra monitoring.
  
  
• Digital platforms integrated into pipeline safety, grid management, and refinery logistics.
  
  

9. Governance & Administrative Reforms

• Multiple ministries streamlined for energy project clearances.
  
  
• Rationalisation of subsidies and tax incentives.
  
  
• Consumer-centric model ensuring equitable access and pricing efficiency.
  
  

10. Keywords for Note-making

• Energy security
  
  
• Energy trilemma
  
  
• Atmanirbhar energy policy
  
  
• Biofuel economy
  
  
• Pipeline diplomacy
  
  
• Strategic petroleum reserves
  
  
• Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP)
  
  
• Compressed biogas (CBG)
  
  
• PM Gati Shakti – Energy mapping
  
  
• Circular economy in energy
  
  
• Green hydrogen mission
  
  
• Last-mile energy equity
  
  
• Data centre–energy synergy
  
  
• Global South energy cooperation

GS Paper III – Economy / Energy / Infrastructure

Q1. India’s energy sector is undergoing a structural transformation that balances availability, affordability, and sustainability. Discuss the key features of India’s current energy strategy and its implications for long-term economic growth.
 (15 marks / 250 words)